Community - Based Tourism Management from Capital Culture and History of World War II at Tau Pae Village, Mae Ngao Sub-district, Khun Yuam District, Mae Hong Son Province

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to develop the potential of community based tourism management and design tour programs centered on cultural heritage and World War II history in Ban Tau Pae Community, Mae Ngao, Khun Yuam District, Mae Hong Son Province. This study was conducted by employing participatory action research and the data was collected using several methods, including an area survey and workshop with community leaders, villagers and youth. The data was investigated and evaluated by applying content analysis, as detailed in this paper.

Ban Tau Pae is a Shan village which maintains its traditional way of life and local wisdom. In this respect, the village holds cultural capital, as it provides a valuable learning resource. Examples include Shan artistry, basketry group, blacksmith group and traditional sugarcane pressing machine.  Ban Tau Pae is also home to historical sites pertaining to World War II. Such history includes, artifacts of Japanese World War II occupation, Huay Pla Moong trail, the memorial to Japanese soldiers at Tau Pae temple, World War II telegraph poles and pins, air raid shelter, Japanese tank wreck and weapons of Japanese soldiers.

This study demonstrates the benefits of promoting community based tourism in Ban Tau Pae, and indicates that community leaders and residents understand these benefits and are in favour of the development of such a program. To achieve this, four Tau Pae community-based tour programs were designed with consultation and contribution from the CBT Tau Pae group throughout the year. The focal point of the tours is the town’s rich culture and history, while also supplemented with trekking and camping activities. The tour designs are as follows: a one day tour, a    1 day - 1 night tour, a 2 day - 1 night tour and lastly, a tour of 3  days and 2  nights. These programs can accommodate both Thai and overseas customers of up to 60 people.